CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Opening date for Burrell Collection announced, as city renews commitment to culture as a catalyst for recovery

The Burrell Collection in Glasgow will reopen in March 2022 following an ambitious building upgrade and redisplay, the charity Glasgow Life has confirmed.

Opening date for Burrell Collection announced, as city renews commitment to culture as a catalyst for recovery

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 3 September 2021 7:47

Copyright © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums and Libraries Collections

As Kier Construction Scotland finishes work on the refurbishment of the A-listed building, based on designs from architects John McAslan + Partners, installation of the works of art has now begun.

Nearly half of the funding for the £68.25 million project was committed by Glasgow City Council with significant contributions from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Scottish Government, the UK Government, and from many generous trusts and private donors.

As the world recovers from Covid-19, The Burrell is a reminder of culture’s contribution to the vibrancy and international appeal of Glasgow.

The first opening of The Burrell in 1983 was one of the first demonstrations of Glasgow’s commitment to cultural-led regeneration. By harnessing the power of its incredible cultural draw, Glasgow has positioned itself as one of the world’s great cultural and creative cities, making it a must-visit destination.

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life, and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see that the installation of Sir William’s precious, beautiful and intriguing Collection has begun, now the delicate refurbishment of its home is almost at an end.

“This major refurbishment and redisplay will celebrate Sir William’s outstanding gift to the city and ensures it is at the heart of Glasgow’s cultural identity for the future, and having much more of The Collection on display and accessible will be one of its immediate successes.

“Sir William’s incredible legacy will help Glasgow and Scotland’s recovery from Covid-19, bringing increased pride and confidence, which has a tangible effect on our wellbeing. As we move out of a pandemic that is vital.”


Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, Dr Bridget McConnell, CBE, said: “March 2022 will mark a historic milestone in Glasgow’s story, as the completely refurbished Burrell Collection reopens to the world.

“Very soon, thanks to all the project’s funders, these wonderful works of art, which Sir William Burrell gave to the people of Glasgow, will be enjoyed in a modern, green museum, fit for purpose and for the future.

“Our vision for The Burrell Collection demonstrates the city’s ambition for it to become more widely appreciated and well known around the world and for Glasgow to retain its place as a global cultural leader.”


Works to the building began in 2018 with repairs to the roof and the installation of modern glazing making the building more air-tight, reducing its overall energy consumption. A combined heating and power supply has also been installed, contributing to the building’s BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

A new entrance will bring visitors straight into the heart of the building and a newly created central stairway will encourage people to explore all three floors of the reimagined Burrell Collection for the first time. The outdoor green space has been also been enhanced, creating new links between the museum and its stunning setting in Pollok Country Park.

On reopening, the museum’s gallery space will have increased by 35%, allowing important and unique objects from the Collection, which have not been seen for decades, or have never been on permanent display, to go on show. New displays will give visitors a better understanding of the artworks, the people who made them and some of the people who have owned them.

Since The Burrell Collection closed to the public in October 2016, a comprehensive consulation programme has engaged with more than 15,000 local people, giving ideas, insights and opinions which have shaped every aspect of the redesign of the building, access to it and the development of the new displays, galleries and spaces within and around the museum.

Sir William Burrell devoted more than 75 years of his life to amassing one of the world’s greatest, single personal collections, renowned for its quality of Chinese art, exquisite stained glass, intricate tapestries and breadth of fine art.

The gift of The Collection to the city was described at the time as: “One of the greatest gifts ever made to any city in the world.” (Sir Hector Hetherington, Principal of Glasgow University).

Highlights include Chinese pottery and porcelain produced over a 5,000-year period, making it one of the most significant collections of Chinese Art in Europe; paintings by renowned French artists including Manet, Cézanne and Degas; Medieval treasures including stained glass, arms and armour and over 200 tapestries and carpets, which are among the finest in the world.

The Collection is also home to the Wagner Garden carpet which is one of the three earliest surviving Persian garden carpets in the world, and has rarely been on public display since The Burrell Collection opened, but the refurbishment and redisplay means it will be on permanent display accompanied by new and innovative methods of interpretation.

Sir Angus Grossart, Chair of Burrell Renaissance, said: “The Burrell Collection has a reputation as being one of the finest in the world. The wonderful new displays have enhanced and informed what visitors will see. They will find great cultural diversity, much beauty and wonder and the great achievement of one enquiring and questioning mind, that of Sir William Burrell.”

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Blythswood Festival
City Of Glasgow Chorus
RSPB
Napier Uni
Glasgow Music City Tours
WSS Media Scotland
City Sightseeing Glasgow

Latest Glasgow News

The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly

The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly

Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!

READ MORE
Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow

Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow

Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.

READ MORE
Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!

READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.

READ MORE
30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025

30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025

The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!

READ MORE
Line up announced for Laugh In The Park

Line up announced for Laugh In The Park

Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!

READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!

READ MORE
Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers

Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers

Casting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!

READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

READ MORE
A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond

A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond

Lomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.

READ MORE
Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story

Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.

READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

READ MORE
Dog lovers alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond

Dog lovers alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond

Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores is back on Saturday 3rd May with its fun competitions, expert advice and dog-friendly products including accessories, pupcakes and much more!

READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.

READ MORE
Your fave panto gang are back!

Your fave panto gang are back!

The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow announce full casting line up for this year's panto, Jock & The Beanstalk!

READ MORE
Glasgow Life confirms 2025 Summer of Events programme

Glasgow Life confirms 2025 Summer of Events programme

Glasgow Life has unveiled a thrilling 2025 Summer of Events programme which will bring top local, national and international artists, musicians and performers to Glasgow!

READ MORE
Folk pop band Tide Lines stop Glasgow commuters with surprise busk crawl

Folk pop band Tide Lines stop Glasgow commuters with surprise busk crawl

Glasgow commuters were stopped in their tracks yesterday as folk-pop favourites Tide Lines brought live music to the Subway in a surprise 'busk crawl'.

READ MORE
Bowl for a cause at VEGA

Bowl for a cause at VEGA

Bowling fans should get their shoes ready as a new monthly charity bowling day launches at VEGA Glasgow's bar, restaurant and alley on the top floor of YOTEL Glasgow.

READ MORE
Six by Nico transforms your meal into a mission, and every guest into an explorer

Six by Nico transforms your meal into a mission, and every guest into an explorer

Building on the success of its immersive experiences, Six by Nico is set to take diners on an adventure across the Six Wonders of the World!

READ MORE
Returning to The Pavilion after two previous sellout runs!

Returning to The Pavilion after two previous sellout runs!

The Irish play described by audiences as the finest, funniest, most heart-breaking piece of theatre they've ever seen returns to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow!

READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!

READ MORE
Global fashion brand Pull&Bear debuts first Glasgow store at Silverburn

Global fashion brand Pull&Bear debuts first Glasgow store at Silverburn

Spanish fashion label Pull&Bear has joined the line-up at leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn, marking the brand’s Glasgow debut and second store in Scotland.

READ MORE
WestFest is back for its third annual festival this June!

WestFest is back for its third annual festival this June!

WestFest, Glasgow's biggest community led, cultural festival today launches the programme for its 2025 event!

READ MORE
The Scottish Rum Festival returns to Glasgow to celebrate its 5th anniversary

The Scottish Rum Festival returns to Glasgow to celebrate its 5th anniversary

The Scottish Rum Festival is delighted to announce its return to Glasgow, marking a special milestone – five years since the festival first launched as a virtual celebration in 2020.

READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.

READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.

READ MORE
Five things to do at the Glasgow Coffee Festival

Five things to do at the Glasgow Coffee Festival

Gill McIntyre, Glasgow Coffee Festival's Specialist & Event Coordinator, shares her can't miss moments ahead of this year's event!

READ MORE
Outstanding Achievement awarded to actress Elaine C Smith at The Pantomime Awards 2025

Outstanding Achievement awarded to actress Elaine C Smith at The Pantomime Awards 2025

Elaine C Smith picked up the illustrious award for her exceptional contribution to the Pantomime Industry for many decades as one of Scotland's best-loved pantomime legends.

READ MORE
Glasgow to welcome new West End Champagne bar

Glasgow to welcome new West End Champagne bar

Cuvée, a new Champagne, wine and cheese bar is set to open in Glasgow’s West End at the end of April.

READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Connect Choir
Headline PR
Glasgow City Council
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
R-CADE
Fayre Play
ATG

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Blythswood Festival
City Of Glasgow Chorus
RSPB
Napier Uni
Glasgow Music City Tours
WSS Media Scotland
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Connect Choir
Headline PR
Glasgow City Council
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
R-CADE
Fayre Play
ATG

Popular Events

Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical
Beloved Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire will be packing up her suitcase and hitting the road as her West End and Broadway musical Mrs. Doubtfire tours the UK and Ireland for the first time!
Kate Rusby
Back by popular demand, the enchanting Kate Rusby returns to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow for her 2025 Spring Tour with the Singy Songy Session Band!
Summer Nights at the Bandstand
The Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival returns to Kelvingrove Park for a tenth year with 13 nights of live music from elbow, Billy Ocean, Hue And Cry, Teenage Fanclub and many more!
Bard in the Botanics
Bard in the Botanics are delighted to be returning to Glasgow Botanic Gardens for Summer 2025 with their 'magic - mayhem - and murder' season!
Roger Daltrey
Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey will bring his special solo tour packed with classic The Who songs, solo hits and his now-famous Q&A sessions to Glasgow's SEC Armadillo on Monday 28th April!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro